BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal Leads Rebellion Against State Leadership, Heads to Delhi with Grievances

Vijayapura (Karnataka), Feb 3 (PTI) – Senior BJP leader and MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has intensified his attack on Karnataka BJP chief B Y Vijayendra and his father, veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, ahead of a crucial visit to New Delhi. Yatnal, along with other party members, is set to present grievances to the BJP high command on February 4, calling for an end to what he terms "nepotism and corruption" within the party’s state leadership.

Accusing Vijayendra and his family of engaging in "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress, Yatnal asserted that the party must prioritize honest and loyal workers over dynasty politics. "We are heading to Delhi to expose the deeds of Yediyurappa and his son. The party must decide: does it want a corrupt family at the helm or dedicated workers who uphold Hindutva?" he told reporters.

Key Demands and Allegations​

Yatnal outlined three primary demands he plans to raise with the party leadership:

1. Removing what he termed a "corrupt family" from leadership.
2. Ending dynasty politics within the Karnataka BJP.
3. Steering the party towards a Hindutva-driven leadership.

He also criticized the party's lack of a strong response to the killings of Hindu activists in the state, alleging that BJP's failure to take strict action has weakened its position. "Only statements were issued, but no concrete action was taken. This lack of Hindutva-driven politics has led to BJP's sorry state in Karnataka," he remarked.

Growing Support for the Rebel Faction​

Yatnal claimed that several previously neutral leaders had now aligned with his faction, recognizing that Vijayendra's leadership would only deteriorate BJP’s standing in the state.

The MLA further alleged that Vijayendra was involved in "adjustment politics" with the Congress, pointing to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s claim that Vijayendra became an MLA with Congress’s support. Yatnal suggested that Congress had "threatened" Yediyurappa and Vijayendra with legal cases to silence them on corruption issues. "The BJP high command must decide if the party needs such compromised leadership," he added.

Factional Rift in Karnataka BJP​

Vijayendra, appointed as the Karnataka BJP chief in November 2023, has faced consistent opposition from senior leaders, including Yatnal and MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi. Both leaders have accused him and Yediyurappa of monopolizing the party and compromising with Congress.

Despite the turmoil, Vijayendra has expressed confidence in his leadership, stating earlier on Monday that he expects a "happy ending" to the ongoing internal conflicts. Responding to this, Yatnal dismissed his optimism, remarking, "Anyone can claim they will return to power, even those who lose their deposits in elections."

As the BJP leadership in Delhi prepares to hear the grievances of the rebel faction, the internal power struggle in Karnataka's state unit is expected to intensify further.